Monday, November 2, 2009

Since Ryan has to work a couple of weekends each month, we've made it a habit of taking full advantage of the few weekends that he has off - and this weekend was no exception.

Friday night we drove to Chicago to stay with our friends Bryan and Michelle. They were our neighbors during med school and both graduated from Hope. Amazingly, we did not know them during college even though we were all there at the same time. Needless to say, we met them at church and became fast friends.

Michelle is a whiz with kids. She has lots of experience as an aunt and I loved seeing her with Ruby, and seeing Ruby's reactions to her.

Ryan and Bryan enjoyed all the things they used to do together - here they are getting ready for a run with Bailey the dog. You wouldn't think a tiny little dog could run 4 miles, but this one likes to!

Saturday afternoon we met up with Aaron, Ashlee and their 2 year old daughter Hannah. Aaron and Ryan were roommates during their first year at Loyola. Ryan and I got married and moved down the street from Aaron - then he married Ashlee and we all got to hang out all the time together. Ashlee is expecting their 2nd little girl in February. So exciting!

We went downtown for the architectural tour up the Chicago River and into Lake Michigan. It was chilly.... really really chilly - which is why Aaron is wearing a ski mask. Also, he is a dermatologist and is good at protecting the skin on his face.

We all had dinner together at Claim Jumper Saturday night, then after church Sunday morning we went out to brunch at Redstone. Our time together was short but we packed in lots of laughs and great conversation. We are so blessed to have these friends and are thankful for whatever time we get to spend with them.

"It's better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps. But if there is no one to help, tough!" - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (the Message)